Rep Power: 266

I need work done to my car, but I don't know how to go about this. Maybe you guys can offer advice, but let my get into some details first.

It's a DX with 2 previous owners, and 1 or both of those owners didn't know how to drive a manual, or they got into a minor accident. The left lower aluminum mount was broken off, indicating that the engine/tranny was slammed somehow. I replaced the mount, and the assembly is more stable, but there is something wrong with the stability. The engine/trany move back and forth way too much. When I'm in first gear, it oscillates back and forth excessively. This is especially apparent on a bumpy road. If I don't keep my foot perfectly stable on the gas, any increase or decrease of foot pressure will cause the assembly to move. Unless civic mounts really suck(?).

So my fist question is, should I replace the upper mounts? The reason I ask is because I definitely want to add Energy Suspension motor mounts. From what I recall, you place these on the original mounts.

My second problem is the trany. It's as if the pressure plate is loose or something, and fluctuates between two positions. When I apply a lot of weight to the trany assembly during clutch engagement (for example on an upward hill) the tranny sets itself to working condition. The trany behaves normal for a while. But let's say I'm doing a lot of down hill driving, which doesn't place much strain on the tranny at all. In other words I'm forced to go easy on it. Well what happends is that something (pressure plate?) moves to a different position, and when I engage the clutch in 1st gear, the pressure plate SLAMS and seemingly TWISTS. I will hear a gratting sound as if you accidentily pushed the stick in without disengaging the clutch.

My second question is how to go about it. Do I have to buy my own tranny? Who should I go to? Should I use a used or rebuilt tranny? Should I go to a trany shop to get it done? Keep in mind that I might want new mounts, or at least the ES mounts installed. Can I add an EX tranny to the DX? Would I want to? What is the cost?

My third question is, what kind of Axle's should I get? Do they sell Axle's with silicon boots? Reliability is my main concern. The stock boots broke at around 75K. 1 of the CV joints needs to be replaced, so I want the whole axle assembly.

Is it possible to replace the tranny myself? What would I need to life engine out? Is it cheaper than having it done for me? Is it easier or harder than the timing belt? I wonder how much all this should cost.

 
Rep Power: 812

i would start by replacing the mounts

 
Rep Power: 266

Yeah but... wouldn't that require trany/engine removal?
Or is that something I can do myself?

 
Rep Power: 266

I'm going to do the front mount insert method. Seems doable for me, without much hassle. It might take care of the shifting issue. The uphill/downhill thing could totally be related to the mounts being worn. This was recommended here:

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/7...ne-damper.html